Things don’t get more traditional than a besom, however you pronounce it. A very fine sweeping tool, largely forgotten these days, a besom is particularly good at removing leaves from a lawn and keeping you in charge of gravel on a drive; it’s also great at getting into awkward corners. Aside from these practicalities, there are several traditions associated with a broom, possibly the most charming of which is its role in a Pagan handfasting ceremony. A besom is also thought to protect a house from evil spirits. And then of course there’s Harry Potter…
After a relaxing day you will return home with a useful and beautiful broom made from our own grown hazel and willow, and birch cut from local nature reserves – no green wood involved in this case, and certainly nothing metal.
The venue
The course will take place in our beautiful working, hazel woodland, Bottoms' Corner; most enjoy just being there all day. You are free to explore, and Guy and Jane are always very happy to talk about the wood and the coppicing they do there. They do find, however, that most guests are far too focused to spend time thinking about anything but the task in hand.
There's a walk of about 300m, through the wood, up a slope from the car park to the venue although we can provide a lift for anyone who needs it.
We use a variety of folding and rigid chairs, camping style hand wash and a 'tree bog' in the wood, which has received praise from previous participants for its privacy and great view. Water for your drinks is boiled over an open fire throughout the day.
What you'll need to bring
We will provide all materials, tools, a variety of teas, coffee, other soft drinks, fruit, biscuits and cakes. Please bring your own packed lunch.
Please bring secateurs if you have some (there will be spares available).
Please contact us if you are at all concerned about your physical ability to enjoy the day; we will do as much as we can to make it possible. It will require a large amount of bending and kneeling.
The tutor
This day will be led by Guy Lambourne of Wassledine who learned to make besoms quite a few years ago from a friend in Essex. He enjoyed making them so much and was so impressed by a besom as a tool for sweeping that he is keen to spread the word. At the risk of being big-headed about the subject, one of his brooms won first prize in the besom section of the craft competition at the National Coppice Federation's Gathering in October 2023.
We've had some glowing reviews for our brooms in our Etsy shop where you can buy one if you can't make this Day in the Woods.
Comments from previous course participants…
“Thank you for a wonderful day” “very friendly, informative, beautiful setting!” fabulous cakes” “tools I’ve never seen” “so much fun” ..of the treebog” “not even a whiff!” “the best wee in the woods”
